Alkoomie

Alkoomie is an incredibly rugged 18,400ha. cattle station, around 20 km to the west Cooktown. It runs from the valley of the South Branch of the Endeavour River, up over the towering escarpments of the 480m high Dickson Plateau, down across the valley of Oaky Creek, up over the Lookout Range and on to the crest of the Barrons Range in the south.

The property sits near the intersection of the Cape York, Einasleigh Uplands and Wet Tropics bioregions and its fauna and flora contain aspects of all three.

Further contributing to the very high biodiversity values of Alkoomie is is its complex geology and, in particular, the spectacular Melody Rocks limestone area. This is a true biodiversity hotspot and one of the absolute gems of Cape York. The complex cave networks at Melody Rocks are the northernmost limestone caves in Queensland. They harbour a very impressive and diverse fauna including at least four endangered bat species as well as endemic insects and the remarkable Australian Swiflet. Given the unusual chemistry of the soils atop the limestone, the flora of the area has some exceptional conservation values including a recently recognised endangered form of rainforest, at least eight threatened or near thratened plant species and the first ever Australian record of a fern normally found associated with limestones in Asia.

The property also has a long and very interesting history. There are rock art sites of national significance, including paintings in the twilight zone in the caves, one of only two locations in Queensland where this is found. Alkoomie was also on the original pack horse route to the Palmer River Goldfields. Ten of thousands walked its tracks in the hope of making their fortunes on the gold fields. Almost as many returned in disappointment.

Alkoomie's new owners hope to create an outstanding visitor experience based on all of the features above and more.